Meaning of 3 Eyes of Maa Durga for Durga Puja
The three eyes of Maa Durga have a special meaning. Pandals may have different themes, so also the way Goddess is depicted with her family. But the basic form of Goddess with her 10 arms and 3 eyes has never changed.
Mahalaya Welcoming Maa Durga
Before I explain the eyes, little bit about Mahalaya.
Mahalaya is a day of great importance for Bengali Hindus. It is the day when chants of Jaago, tumi jaago usher in the aura of Durga Puja, a 5 day festival of Hindus. It is believed Goddess Durga ascended on earth on this day.
Mantras (hymns) chanted midnight onward is a kind of invitation to Goddess Durga to descend on Earth. Goddess Durga is a creation of the Holy trinity of Gods – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
Story of Goddess Durga
The story goes like this:
Mahishasur, a demon and cousin of Gods, after long penance got a boon that no male form can kill him. Swelling up with arrogance, he unleashed terror on all. Goddess Durga therefore descends from Heaven to rid Earth of this notorious demon. There ensues a long fight between Goddess Durga seated on lion and the demon in the form of buffalo. On 9th day Goddess Durga emerges victorious!
Idols depicting this scene are worshiped during Durga Puja. Bengali Hindus unite and form groups all over the world, make temporary pandals to celebrate this festival of Durga Puja.
Meaning Durga’s Three Eyes
Preparations for this festival had begun a month back. Idol makers from Kumortuli, Kolkata are at their work in Bangalore and I had the opportunity to see them work on the idols. The systematic way the work goes on is so interesting to watch. Each artisan knows his job and they are engrossed in it. The painting of eyes fascinated me the most.
Meaning of 3 Eyes of Maa Durga
The eyes of the idols are painted on Mahalaya after observing a day of fast by the painter. They are on a strictly vegetarian diet during this. Durga’s three eyes have a special meaning. Like Bhagwan Shiva (Lord Shiva), Mother Durga has 3 eyes. She is referred to as “Triyambake” meaning the three eyed Goddess.
The left eye represents desire (chandra – the moon), the right eye represents action (surya – the sun), and the central eye knowledge (agni – fire).
Mantra to Worship Goddess Durga
“Sarva Mangala Mangalye, Shive Sarvartha Sadhike, Sharanye Tryambake Gauri
Narayani Namostute, Narayani Namostute, Narayani Namostute”
Durga is referred to as the consort of Lord Shiva; she full fills the wishes of her devotees. She brings purity to the lives of all who worship her. I bow to you! I bow to you! I bow to you!
You can see my posts on Durga Puja here. This was first published on Oct 15th, 2012.
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Wow! I never knew that they paint three eyes. It is new learning for me. Thank you for sharing the post.
It is always nice to read interesting snippets about celestial beings. Did not know about the reverence with which these painters perform their work. Inspirational!
Wonderful captures Indrani! I love the beautiful faceof Maa Durga… TC! Keep smiling 🙂 Happy clicking and happy Dashera 🙂
Awesome. Chokkhudaan is an electrifying experience!
Thank you for this story. The photos are wonderful.
Interesting, the three-eyes. So the middle eye represents knowledge!
Beautiful photos and an intriguing story, Indrani. Great to read of a victorious female.
K
Fascinating to read the story once again. Wish you and your family a very Happy Navratri 🙂
So beautiful and a great story, Indrani!
Like it very much…
Warm greetings, Anna :))
Wonderful shots – I love the symbolism of the three eyes.
They make such grand looking idols.
Wish you Happy Navratri.
fascinating!
Hi, nice to be back here and I have missed so much. Work has really gotten the way of blogging haha. Great pic 🙂
Happy Navratri, Indrani!
Fascinating post and something I wasn't familiar with.
Beautiful post & beaitiful idol of Durga Mata ! Greetings and Best wishes for Durga Puja.
A wonderful post, thank you for sharing this.
Beautiful and fantastic information sharing. Good work Indrani, in all levels.
Liebe Indrani,
ich mag all Deine Impressionen aus Deiner Heimat. Es sind wunderbare Fotos von grossem Inhalt. Vielen herzlichen Dank, auch für all Deine wunderbaren Kommentare in all meinen Blog…
Grüsse und Umarmung aus der Schweiz
Hans-Peter
Another fascinating look at your country, Indrani! Wonderful, colorful captures. Hope you have a lovely evening!
Lovely shots Indrani.
greetings, Joop